Our Story:  The five W's of Lighthouse Christian Center

WHO started it all?

Senior Pastor, and Founder, Dr. Art Hunt, his wife Naomi and several other families who teamed together to do something for God.

WHAT were they thinking?

That they would start a church not to compete with the many fine churches already established in the area, but for believers who were not currently attending a church and for people who were simply exploring Christianity.  They thought that many church services could feel a bit too formal, a bit intimidating, and they wanted a different approach, something less traditional.  They wanted to form a church where people felt accepted and loved, where people could be real, and where they could form a healthy, Christ-centered community that would actively pursue God's purposes.

WHEN did LCC open its doors?

In 1991, we held our first public service.  About 200 people showed up, but when the dust cleared a few weeks later, we had about 125 folks.  That's where we began and we've been steadily growing ever since.  It's amazing what God can do!

WHERE did this church first take root?

In Scot and Cheryl Oliver's living room (who are still active at LCC), with about 30 guests. But LCC has called two other places home.   We leased two different churches on South Hill from '91 to 2001, and met only on Saturday nights.  When we moved into our current facility in 2002 and started Sunday services, we experienced double digit growth for five straight years.

WHY do we do what we do the way we do it?

Simple; people matter to God.  So we want to serve those who love Jesus and encourage them in their walk with God, but we also want to reach those far from God.  Pastor Art teaches the Bible in a fun and thought-provoking way.  His goal is to challenge believers but also to build bridges to people who are exploring faith.  That's also the reason that no offering is taken, why contemporary music is the norm and why people dress casually.  We're trying to build bridges.  When believers bring their seeker friends to church, we want those friends to relate to what's happening.  Why?  Because that just might be a step in beginning a relationship with Jesus.

Many people ask, so we include it here. View our purpose statement , belief statement, and core values.